A RARE 1970's SUPERIOR HOMAGE - ARE SAN MARTIN THE ONLY ONES TO DO IT?
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- In this video I review the NEW San Martin Men's Superior Homage. This watch contains an automatic mechanical movement, unlike the original which house a mechanical quartz movement.
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DEAR UA-cam AND VIEWERS!
The watches in this video are originals or homages. These are not fakes or counterfeit. They are perfectly legal and anyone who reports this channel to UA-cam for the promotion or selling of fake or counterfeit products is doing so knowing that this channel is not breaking any of the terms and conditions stipulated by UA-cam.
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Homage watches are legal as long as they do not carry the name or trademarked terms or names of the original maker which no watches in this video do.
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Gary
I Like Watches
Please let me clarify…1) I do not think San Martin are achieving the polishing standards set by GS. 2) Zaratsu is the name given to this method of polishing by Seiko but it is a fairly common technique. Using a spinning tin plate to achieve a mirror like finish is not uncommon in the watch industry.
what other models have this level of polishing?
I've got a water ghost and a sub homage, which I would define as good finishing for a $1000 watch. I have a datejust homage with a MOP dial that might be finished better but would not anything close to zaratsu.
this one looks pretty close to zaratsu. By in large these are flat surfaces, my Grand Seikos give flawless reflections on curved surfaces. That said this dial and the dial markers are next level, again not GS but very good especially at this price level.
Grand Seiko’s own website states that Zaratsu is just the Japanese pronunciation of the name of the machines used in Switzerland. GS are notable for how well they do it, not that they’re the only ones to do it.
Their GS diver homage and their new 6200 homage….quite a few to be honest, it’s just more obvious on this watch because of the large flat surfaces
Yes…this is why I’m surprised when others are surprised when it’s not just Seiko doing it…
@@ilikewatches They aren't the only ones doing, but they are one of the very few that do it in pieces under 10k.
Just bought this watch for a very good price during Aliexpress sale. Beautiful homage of a vintage watch that Seiko no longer makes, albeit with a hi-beat mechanical movement instead of Quartz. Loving it as it wears so well on my 6.2" wrist, with gorgeous case shape, amazing polishing and super detailed dial and hands.
To me, this is what a professional - a doctor or a lawyer or a banker - would have worn back in the 70s. I remember looking at my dad's watches back then. They were seikos and an omega and they looked like this. Plain stick hands and day/dates with big frames, white dials (maybe not even this pretty). SM nailed the look. If my dad were still around, I'd be tempted to get this for him - he would have loved it. So yeah, you might not like the hands or the date complication, but that was the look in the 70s and SM nailed it.
Agreed..
in fact wearing sports watches trend only became popular in 90s with the acceptance of business casual and arrival of Gen X in job market.
Love this. A refreshing change from endless divers. Dial is gorgeous. I don't know that I *need* a shiny case, but the overall aesthetic is a winner. Maybe in the sale?
Maybe it's just me, but I actually wish they had doubled down on the Seiko Superior inspiration and used a premium quartz movement, even if it raised the price a bit. I think it would have stood out more. This is a breathtaking watch, but a $300, automatic, sporty dress watch is not exactly rare. However, a $350 sporty dress watch with a top-grade quartz movement would stand alone
My Bulova Precisionist 96b159 (its 1 only beautiful model) keeps within 10 sec/year, and the sec GLIDESSSS. Something like that...😎💥
yes tht would be a first on aliexpress i think..
You could get the original on a funky bracelet too, I believe
@@mattilatvala4164 my vintage bulova accutron and accutron railroad glides sooooooooo smooth
That's a game i like to see, homages of vintage and long discontinued watches.
Just got this watch and its amazing. Better than expected. This is my first San Martin and I'm impressed. the quality is as good as my swiss luxury brands. There is one issue though. The watch feels smaller than the 37.5 mm would suggest. The case sides flare out and the bezel is only 34.5mm. wears more like a 36mm. Just be aware of this if you don't like small watches or have big wrists.
ahhhh stop tempting me!!! i’m trying not to buy another watch so soon and the smaller the better for my 6” wrists
I think the movement is a better bet than the PT5000. Both are Chinese clones of the ETA2824 but Seagul have been doing this for far longer
That’s assuming sea-gull actually makes the movements and it’s not either copied or farmed out to another company.
Given the range of cleanliness and finishing I have seen in Chinese watches supposedly using the same movements I have my doubts they are all made by the same companies or in the same factory.
I bought this watch in the sale for $318 Canadian and received it today. It’s a little smaller than I’m used to but is definitely beautiful. I’m not sure how much wear it will get, as I’ve got quite a few watches to choose from. But if it doesn’t get much time in the rotation it will make a nice gift to one of my grandkids.
I love it, haven't seen it before, slightly removed from what I'd normally wear but there's something about it calling me to buy it, classy looking but not too dressy 👌🏻
Hahaha, not being able to stop looking at watches online is a disease and it is contageous, so everyone beware! 😂😂😂 This watch is really beatiful! But why are San Martin not just offering a quartz version as an option? I get it, San Martin want to show off their polishing technique akin to zaratsu polishing but this thing with all its polished facets...I don't know whether some brushed surfaces in interaction with polished surfaces, wouldn't be beneficial? Well you literally put your finger on it! Its a smudge magnet. I love the leather strap!!
If San Martín can bring a high standard of polishing to all their pieces, the brand value will really be enhanced. The decoration on the Seagull in the back is nice, but nobody can see it. The polish and the dial texture are visible on the wrist!
Also, great case dimensions on that piece!
Beautiful watch, i really like the day/date complications 😊
Honestly if you hadn't had said this was a homage I would have thought it was original. I think san martin should really focus on watches like this more, you know something left field you wouldn't expect. Class.
I hope they bring out a version of this without the day, preferably without the date as well or move the date to the 6 position. A pair of dauphine hands would look amazing too.
Thank you Gary. No denial, it is a gorgeous watch. I'm in love with it, however the movement keeps me from buying it. I would buy this watch in a heartbeat if it came with the SW200 even at a considerable higher price. I wish SM would offer this movement as an alternative. I suspect other people would also be willing to pay more for this setup in this particular watch.
Thank you again for your great review. All the best.
San Martin is amazing
gorgeous. I can't unsee the 10 o'clock misalignment
Zaratsu is the katakana-ization of Sallaz, the German manufacturer of the original polishing machines, which Seiko got hold of and mastered. The type machine isn't all that rare, and like anything the user's skill is key to the end result and that's where Grand Seiko excels.
Hi Gary, thanks for this review. I didn’t think much of this watch when I first watched this video but it opened the door for me to start exploring vintage Seiko - which I am now obsessed with, so thank you for that 😅. Such an incredible world to walk into. I also recently decided to get this San Martin watch to scratch the vintage Seiko itch before actually getting a vintage Seiko and I have to say it’s a beautiful and really enjoyable watch. Since this review they added a bracelet option which is also completely mirror polished and in a vintage style. A fingerprint magnet but suits the watch well and I would recommend the bracelet option to anyone considering this watch. You can always get a black strap to switch out if you like that vibe. All this to say, thank you, Gary, for your excellent and engaging reviews they are appreciated and useful!
Wow, there’s a level of detail on this watch that goes well beyond Chinese homage brand standards. Sensational
They nailed it
Your macro shots are awesome. It gives justice to that wonderful watch.
A bracelet option would be nice.
Great review and spectacular macro shots Gary. I am looking to add a San Martin to my collection and a white dial watch. I do like this one but I'm not sure it will be the one I add (it's not the movement but the "all polished" aspect that puts me off just a little - in spite of the fact that the quality of the polishing is stellar). I am definitely holding our for the 11/11 Sale and hoping that the Australian Dollar will appreciate a little against the USD between now and then as well...
Zaratzu is the Japanese name for the polishing machines they use to polish their watches. AP also use similar machines to finish their bezels. So its not necessary hand polished like we thought, it's done with machines. So I wouldn't be surprised if Chinese manufacturers got a hold of some of those polishing machines.
@@tab3Gator have you seen the side by side images of the SM GS homage and an actual GS finishing? there is not a significant difference between the two, so it is possible they have a similar machine to do such polishing, and the nuance of the polisher knowing from experience how to get the best results is why there are the differences, but not significant enough to say they couldn't produce them with more experience.
I have also seen how the GS is manufactured, they're not hand polished, it's all on the machine, the polisher is essentially pushing buttons to get the desired result.
i remember this watch. i bort one in the late 70`s. shame i dont still have it... brill watch... cheers
Aren't the hour markers sited in tiny holes and then glued, in which case does this mean there is a systematic problem with the siting of the hour markers? It'd be interesting to know what other owners have seen, but maybe the shadow effect is enough to convince the admirer that even the true error is just a trick of the eye.
Nice review of a stunning watch. I just ordered one. The shorter hands at first put me off, but the original quartz is the same way.
The problem with Seagull movements is they have quality control issues and watchmakers don't like working on them. So, if you want a disposable $300 watch I can see this as being for you. Personally, I would prefer if they put a Sellita or even a Miyota high beat movement. At least I can feel confident that I can get it serviced if I need to.
Sorry to disturb the video... 20 friggin K members!! Congrats. So emotional!
Great looking watch and specs are great too. My only criticism would be the lug with at 18mm with a custom leather bracelet means when the band wears out and breaks we're screwed.
The dial looks superb. The finishing is great. It would look better with no day date complication. It is too small for my liking.
That ten o'clock indices would drive me mad but I must admit it's a stunning watch though
Beautiful and perfect homage!
The Seiko Superior Homage SN0102-G 37mm is beautiful and apparently well built and machined, but if they made a "no date" version with proper movement, SII NH38 or Miyota 9039 or 90S5, keeping the dial closed and the caseback solid, I would be very happy and buy it. You don't need to change anything else.
I'm not knocking Seagull or their movements, but I wouldn't pay that much for one. In other words, at this price I'd much rather see a Seiko or Miyota. It's a beautiful watch!
The Seagull day date movement performs better than the seiko in my experience. Have had loads of each on the timegrapher
11 marker slightly left too. 5 marker slightly right? Great video Gary, lovely watch!
Very nice. I also have a vintage watch guilty pleasure.
What a wee ripper. I'd like San Martin to do a version of the King Seiko like what Chameri do. Possibly with a Cursive "San Martin" script rather than the rather tool-watch sporty hexagon applied logo.
Like you said with the SN009, this is San Martin showing off. This is just a different way of doing so.
Perfect watch for it, large flat surfaces…really highlights the quality polishing
Love those overly-raised indices, great looking watch!
Wow, just wow. I've been holding back on buying a San Martin watch because of the increase in prices and this watch has just made that decision even harder....😟
Great review Gary. I bought one of these and straight out the box the date wheel wouldn’t change. It was stuck in one position.
Had to return. Great looking watch though 👍🏻
Gutted…getting another one?
@@ilikewatches Maybe during another sale in the future. I spent the funds on a limited edition Christopher Ward C60 Atoll which I am really looking forward to 😁
SM need to offer this on that bracelet that Seiko used on the retro version. Would look 👌
What a beauty 😍
I absolutely love this watch!
I prefer bracelets, but the watch is beautiful!
i dont fancy high polishings much due to it being thumbprints magnet…..but this one looks good…
We got the message from the intro. my name is Gary............and I'm a watchaholic !😂😂😂
Great review of a beautiful watch 👍. Such a shame about that hour marker. I think it is worth the money and the movement is no doubt fine, but I am reluctant to spend that much on a watch from China, because if there is an issue it might be very difficult to sort. If it was available in the UK at that price, I would buy one now!
Can you please review the new explorer two homage san martin just released and tell us more about the hangzhou gmt movement . Much appreciated mate ! Keep it up
If I wear this outside and check the time (or admire the watch) in bright sunshine, am I going to be blinded by the sun’s reflection?
As a mailman looking for a new daily this is a concern for me. I think I’d have preferred a mostly brushed case with polished chamfers.
I bought a Seiko stunner from the vintage Japanese watch store 👍🏻
Very addictive
It’s an attractive timepiece. Would it look better if the day-date frame was thinner? Cheers.
I love the watch. Wish it’s in 40mm also I don’t like the Dan Martin hexagonal logo. Full Dan Martin would be nice.
I want this watch with a maroon dial and a bracelet.
Ordered one during the latest sale. It arrived today.
Initial inspection:
10:00 index is correctly placed.
Unfortunately, the day function is not working. Jammed with half a Chinese date showing.
So, back it will go.
Not certain if I'll order another one.
Your concerns about the movement may be justified.
Might have been better using a quartz movement.
Too bad there isn't a VH31 with day/date functions.
San Martin your prices are ridiculously high.
250gbp and then taxes on top would take it to over 300 gb. With the risk of costs or problems dealing with issues it puts me off.
If only they had a UK or European distributor.
So glad you got this one in. Some excellent macro shots!! I really like this one and the dial is gorgeous. I think I will pick this one up!! Great job San Martin
Edit- could the strap be swapped out if you wanted to change it ? What are the options?
Yes, but it would need to be 18mm
@@ilikewatches In the video you said the strap tapers from 21mm, so why the 18mm here?
Looking forward to 40mm, date or nodate version with bracelet.
Probably won’t happen
The intro was hilarious. Sadly, I can completely identify with it. If it was just the watches only. ☺
Lol…thanks
Спасибо за выпуск!
Давно лежат в корзине на алиэкспресс, но к сожалению там плохо видны как плюсы так и минусы, так что вам большое спасибо за обзор!
I really like the look of this watch and especially the size. I'm torn about the automatic vs. quartz debate here. Perhaps a mecha-quartz could split the difference?
A year ago I came close to buying three San Martin watches on the Ali sale. The next time I looked at them they were two to three times the price and that just turned me off on San Martin.
Although I'm not generally attracted to 1970's style dress watches, this one looks better than most.
It's sitting in my wish list!
Loved that intro
Nice
Wow, what a great watch. I go for this one!
Beautiful watch! Good perspective!
The finishing on that case is incredible - super black polishing, and the transitions are so crisp. Naysayers can't argue with the quality of this when compared to well known brands mentioning no names *cough Seiko
Interesting….Mr G……verrry interesting. But no! Your video has no power over me for I remain enamoured by my Exciton II… the smooth sweep of the hands, the big numbers yet smaller size making it look big, yet fit well. The coin edge bezel…I could go on……
Lol…good to hear!
Beautiful
I do like this but it seems a bit pricey to me
Really like that one 👍
It would be nice if it came on a bracelet. Old school Seiko style but made better.
360 euro and it has a seagul. for half the price you can get an automatic seiko or citizen
it would be better if they actually made it quartz then it would be a more acurate version and also cheaper
The watch looks fantastic ngl, but the price is a little too high imo
Mmm… how close does this San Martin come to their best fit and finish work so far?
Why doesn’t Seiko make these watches again instead of allowing other companies to make profit off of their history? It’s a beautiful watch, I’m sure plenty of people would buy one from Seiko
It doesnt ship to Germany .. whats that all about? :(
The watch looks amazing. Shame about the movement.
I don't like dress Watches with Day Date looks weird
Don't you think that the minute hand is too short?
It’s how the original was…
I love San Martin watches but God that logo… i hate it!
Is the day, date a bit misaligned?
Nice watch, not my cop of tea though 👍
I just changed it manually and it seems fine…
This comment is for you😀
San Martin is getting too expensive. They should know their customers better than to try becoming luxury Aliexpress brand.
I was considering this watch to have something with a suit but the price discouraged me. Outside of price, I did not like it the date, because I planned on using the watch only once in a while and the prospect of having to re-adjust it every time was not great. The watch is furthermore quite thick and it appears larger than 37mm because of the small bezels - more like 38 or even 39mm. And lastly - the movement is just not something I trust.
Why san Martin copy Designs on and on and on. Make mote own Style watches please! Youse your knowledge
Another nice San Martin but again the branding on the dial doesn't match the buckle, thought they'd settled on the hexagon. Expensive considering the Seagull movement and no lume, dial is too fussy for me as well a simple sunburst plain dial would look better. Overpriced for what you are getting.👎⌚😒
Nice watch but 37mm is too small
not even slightly. would buy this at 35 or 36mm in a heartbeat
It's nice, but to make it beautiful they should dump the day/date.
It was on the original Seiko.....
Too small:(
Men’s watches were 34 and 35 mm forever. 36 was “jumbo” for a long time. Your tastes are immature if you insist that a watch case or dial take up the entire surface of your wrist. How gauche.
Would you consider a Cartier Tank Must “too small”? Sacrilege.
Oh dear. Date complication on an Auto. X
Even worse a day complication. X
Size. X
China made. (X)
Bruh...
You sound like a fun and open minded human being capable of independent thought.
What’s wrong with Chinese made watches? San Martin have an excellent track record for making high quality pieces.
Many Swiss brands have their cases and other steel components made in China….not sure why that’s ok but it’s a problem for AliExpress brands…